Takeaways
- Arch Smith dedicated 40 years to Georgia 4-H, serving in multiple leadership roles and leaving a lasting impact on facilities, programs and people.
- Smith oversaw more than $75 million in upgrades to 4-H centers, including the Rock Eagle cabin replacement project and the renovation of Camp Jekyll.
- From expanding youth opportunities to preserving 4-H history, Smith’s influence continues to shape the program even after his retirement.
Arch Smith, retired 4-H state leader who has served the organization for 40 years, was honored with the 2025 Georgia 4-H Lifetime Achievement Award at the 4-H Gala on Aug. 23.
The Georgia 4-H Lifetime Achievement Award, established in 2001, recognizes individuals who dedicate significant time, energy and resources to Georgia 4-H over an extended period. It is considered the highest honor bestowed by Georgia 4-H.
Smith was hired by University of Georgia Cooperative Extension as the Carroll County agent in 1985. In the decades that followed, his tenure with the university and UGA Extension included roles as director of Rock Eagle 4-H Center, executive director of the Georgia 4-H Foundation and associate state 4-H leader. He was named the eighth state leader and director of 4-H in 2010. Since his retirement in 2022, Smith has graciously accepted roles as the interim Southeast District Extension director and interim associate dean for Extension.
Smith began a lifelong 4-H journey as a fifth-grade Warren County 4-H participant in 1965. He remained an active 4-H’er until high school graduation and then served four summers as a camp counselor at Rock Eagle 4-H Center. He earned an undergraduate degree in agricultural economics from the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences before obtaining a master’s degree in public administration from West Georgia College and State University.
Growth and improvements under Smith’s leadership
Georgia’s six 4-H centers received more than $75 million in major improvements and additions under Smith’s leadership. Notably, he championed the cabin replacement campaign at Rock Eagle 4-H Center. The first new cabin was completed in 2006, and only 12 of 54 cabins remain to be replaced. These cabins play a vital role in serving thousands of youth and adult guests that visit the center each year. Smith was also instrumental in the facility renovation for Georgia 4-H at Camp Jekyll and oversaw the gift of Fortson 4-H Center to Georgia 4-H.
The Georgia 4-H Foundation experienced significant growth under Smith’s management. This groundwork of success is evident today as the 2025 4-H Gala raised more than $1 million to support youth programming during a record-breaking evening. Nearly 800 guests attended the event at the Classic Center in Athens.
“It’s inspiring to see the magnitude of supporters who rallied together in support of such a proven and impactful program. Georgia 4-H continues to innovate and advance its workforce readiness opportunities, and this special support will have a major impact on that positive mission,” said Adam Hammond, executive director of the Georgia 4-H Foundation.
Smith is well known as a historian for Georgia 4-H and is committed to documenting the origins and modern successes of the program. He collaborated with author Ina Hopkins to publish the “Rock Eagle: Centerpiece of Georgia 4-H” in 2016, a historical record of Rock Eagle 4-H Center. He also worked to officially recognize the historical contributions of Dublin 4-H Center, Georgia’s first Black 4-H center, resulting in its placement on the National Register of Historic Places.
A legacy of mentorship
“Among his many achievements, Arch consistently models for us how to make the people and places around him better – truly living out the 4-H motto,” said Melanie Biersmith, Georgia 4-H state leader, during her introduction of the Lifetime Achievement Award. “He has led, mentored and supported every aspect of the Georgia 4-H program with vision, passion and dedication that is unparallelled. Georgia 4-H is better because of him and we continue to build upon his legacy.”
Hundreds of employees and thousands of youths have experienced Smith’s positive mentorship. His legacy of kindness, encouragement and excellence spans generations of 4-H’ers and 4-H staff. His focus has always centered on creating positive, life-changing experiences for Georgia’s young people.
“When I began my Extension career in 1985, I simply needed a job. But my time with Georgia 4-H quickly became so much more than I could ever imagine,” Smith said during his acceptance remarks at the gala. “I will always cherish the memories and our accomplishments … The mountaintop moments of seeing children gain confidence and realize their potential as a result of 4-H involvement will be forever etched in my memory.”
Previous recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award include former state 4-H leaders, volunteers and staff who offered immeasurable contributions to the development of the organization. For a full list of previous winners, visit georgia4h.org.
About Georgia 4-H
Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships and community awareness. As the premier youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches hundreds of thousands of people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities.
For more information about Georgia 4-H, contact your local UGA Extension office or visit georgia4h.org.
